garage on cement slab

I am building a garage on a 6 inch thick cement slab. As such it rises about 3 inches above the ground. I'm in an area where it gets extremely cold. Is there anything I have to do to ensure the frost does not get under it and heave it? Thanks.

garage on cement slab

And of going with a monolithic slab, also think about how much of the slab extends out of the ground - you don't want your siding down near or against the ground. And your site is probably not level, it will have some grade you have to account for.

garage on cement slab

Quote:

Originally Posted by beech

I am building a garage on a 6 inch thick cement slab. As such it rises about 3 inches above the ground. I'm in an area where it gets extremely cold. Is there anything I have to do to ensure the frost does not get under it and heave it? Thanks.

I wouldnt worry about it on a floating slab..I live in Wisconsin and have never poured footings for a garage.. not even the 40*80 timber frame barn we put up..and that slab stayed bare till the next summer.

garage on cement slab

Quote:

Originally Posted by beech

I am building a garage on a 6 inch thick cement slab. As such it rises about 3 inches above the ground. I'm in an area where it gets extremely cold. Is there anything I have to do to ensure the frost does not get under it and heave it? Thanks.

Here in Northern Ont. Canada, it gets cold. I have never yet seen anyone pour footing down below the frost line for a garage. they are all built as a floating slab on grade. Use lots of re-bar and min. 32mpa concrete. make sure you have good drainage to take any water away from the building.